Wildfire Precautions

Before the wildfire

• Learn to recognize the natural conditions that increase the chances of wildfires.

• If possible, roof your home with Class A rated (fire resistive) roofing materials.

• Cover your chimney outlet and stovepipe with nonflammable screen with an inch or smaller wire mesh.

• If possible, use fire resistive roofing and siding when remodeling or building in wildfire prone areas.

• Windows and skylights should be tempered glass or multi-layered glassed panels for protection against breakage due to the heat from fires.

• Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home.

• Install, maintain and teach everyone in your family to use fire extinguishers.

• Prepare an escape route from your home and from your neighborhood, and plan an emergency meeting place for family in case you are separated.

• Clear and maintain a "survivable space" about 30 feet wide around your home.

• Keep your yard and gutters free of pine needles, leaves and other flammable debris.

• Reduce the number of trees in heavily wooded areas, and plant new trees or shrubs 10 feet apart.

• Remove dead branches and keep close, overhanging branches from the reach of your roof and 10 feet away from your chimney.

• For trees taller than 18 feet, keep lower branches pruned 6 feet above the ground.

• Keep stacked wood at least 30 feet from your home or other buildings, and keep vegetation cleared away from the woodpiles.

• Enclose the underside of balconies and above ground decks with wire mesh.

During the wildfire

• Follow the instructions of emergency workers and firefighters.

• Know when to evacuate.